|
|
Steve Halliday |
From the editor's desk!
Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier and welcome to
another year.
With this, the first issue of 2005, you will start to see some changes.
First we welcome the National RFID Centre in the U.K. and AIM UK as
sponsors of the newsletter. Below you will see a new editorial column
supplied by the National RFID Centre.
The disaster in Asia has been on top of our minds for many of us, whether
we have lost friends or relatives or not. The staff of High Tech AIDCourier
sends our condolences to any one who has suffered personal loss due to the
event. We urge everyone to join the relief effort and donate to one of the
reputable charities trying to help the survivors. For those that do not yet
appreciate the immensity of the disaster these photos may help. Click the
before and after box on each picture.
http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/9.html
As always, providing this newsletter is just a part of what we have to
offer here at High Tech Aid. When your problem needs have you overwhelmed,
then you need to get help and that is why we are here. We specialize in
education, but the spectrum of services is much greater than that. Call or
email us for more information. Visit the web site www.hightechaid.com for
more information on basic technology details as well as many other things.
E-mail me at news@hightechaid.com
and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to send this issue to your
friends so that they can sign up for their own issue of the free
newsletter at
www.hightechaid.com. If you have news to share or info you need, let
me know at news@hightechaid.com.
From the National RFID Centre
U.K. Government Backs RFID Technologies
The UK’s new National RFID Centre signals a massive breakthrough for RF
technologies.
Backed by the Government’s Department of Trade and Industry, its
establishment marks official recognition of the huge potential RFID offers
all commercial sectors for improved efficiency and competitiveness.
Located in West Yorkshire, the National RFID Centre is sponsored by
Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency. However, one of its key
tasks is to co-ordinate the setting up of regional RFID centres throughout
the country. In this, it will be working with other regional development
agencies, Business Links, Chambers of Commerce and trade associations.
Already within the Yorkshire and Humber region the centre has arranged a
wide ranging programme of web conferences, business breakfasts and seminars
all aimed at educating potential end-users about RFID and its possible
application within their businesses.
In addition, the Centre is offering companies a free Business Assist
consultation with one of a panel of specialists drawn from leading RFID
companies.
Ian Smith, Director of the National RFID Centre, said: “The Government has
recognised RFID as having a key role to play in both the public and private
sectors. These are exciting times for the industry and we at the National
RFID Centre will be leading the campaign for greater awareness and uptake of
RFID within properly integrated automated identification and data capture
(AIDC) systems.”
The UK National RFID Centre can be contacted at (+44) 1422 368368 ; (+44)
1422 355604 (fax); or by email
Julie@rfiduk.org
U.K. Government recognises the significance of RFID
The UK Government has recognised automatic identification and data
capture (AIDC) in general, and RFID in particular, as vital enabling
technologies for UK business.
In its recently published report, “Electronics 2015 : Making a Visible
Difference”, It states:
“The UK has a world-class capability in automatic identification and data
capture (AIDC), and particular RFID solutions in both private and public
sectors. The UK AIDC community benefits from massively increased market
opportunities, with extensive regional activity which accelerates adoption
of these solutions across all business sectors.”
The report goes on to recommend the that Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) should be instrumental in promoting and developing its national
capability in AIDC and RFID:
“The DTI should continue to help promote AIDC solutions nationally, RDAs
(Regional Development Agencies) should develop regional initiatives to the
benefit of local business and in development of local expertise in AIDC
technologies and applications as appropriate.”
Particularly encouraging in the view being taken by government is the
emphasis on AIDC with RFID appropriately positioned within the AIDC
framework and with an approach to RFID that encompasses the totality of RFID
representation. It further promotes the need for coherent, undistorted
messages concerning RFID and its capabilities, so avoiding the apparent
divide in thinking where one grouping views RFID as being synonymous with
Electronic Product Code (EPC) and the second group which, more
realistically, views RFID in its totality, embracing EPC as part of the RFID
framework.
The National Centre for RFID, together with development of a
regionally-based network of centres will form the UK thrust in providing,
supporting and developing the UK presence in RFID and the governmental
aspirations for the benefits it can bring to UK trade and industry.
Technology News Briefs
Radio Frequency Identification
RFID Reference
Here’s a collection of papers that might get you started on
that RFID project.
http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/
erp/report/0,,12202004,00.html
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,98270,00.html?nlid=ERP
RFID moves on slowly
It is not always a smooth straight road to implementation as
some are starting to find out.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1744839,00.asp
Wal-Mart is on track …
January first roll out is on track.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/gear/parts/
2004-12-28-walmart-rfid_x.htm
… but allows some delay
Wal-Mart has stated that the deadline has moved to February.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20041222/tc_zd/141484
The next step
Wal-Mart has announced the plans for the next step in its
RFID rollout.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/business/10561757.htm?1c
http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/39427.html
Wal-Mart and its suppliers are ready …
Tags are tested and the system is go for early or on time
delivery to Wal-Mart.
http://www.foodlogistics.com/script/search.asp?SearchSiteURL=\articles\2004\12-04\fl_1204_05.htm
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/
stories/122104dnbusrfid.30f15.html
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/gear/parts/
2004-12-28-walmart-rfid_x.htm
http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/jan2005/rfidwatch.cfm
http://bpm-today.newsfactor.com/scm/story.xhtml?story_title=Analyst--Wal-Mart-RFID-Pilot-Closely-Watched&story_id=29218&category=scm
… But is the technology?
Massachusetts-based consulting firm Sapient says that there
are still issues to be resolved.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/27/technology/
27rfid.html?ex=1261803600&en=dc8bfdf3fd86e222&ei=
5090&partner=geartest
Resistance is futile!
There are still some Wal-Mart suppliers who are resisting.
http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/elH60GPYVh0G4X0C5Kr0AB
More bumps and bruises
Here is a report that helps to highlight some of the issues
and reliability problems you may have.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,98342,00.html?nlid=ERP
IBM adds RFID
WebSphere products get the RFID touch.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,98336,00.html?nlid=ERP
RFID security
Is there a need? Yes in some cases we do need security.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,96051,00.html?nlid=ERP
The Wal-Mart solution?
It is not the only game in town. Don’t forget to look around
for other options.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,98329,00.html?nlid=ERP
Gillette does RFID
And here’s a look into how they do it.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,98325,00.html?nlid=ERP
More advice
Want to start an RFID pilot. Here’s some help.
http://www.computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,98331,00.html?nlid=ERP
EU passport scheme in trouble
Putting RFID tags on passports and visas looks like an issue
for the European Community.
http://go.theregister.com/news/2004/12/23/
eu_rfid_visa_trashes_self/
Who tags the items
This report suggests that the wholesalers and distributors
may be the best bet. Not the suppliers!
http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/dec2004/fastlane.cfm
Army tracks vehicles
Using GPS and RFID, the U.S. Army in Iraq is to have a new
tracking system to help effective deployment.
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1206/
news-convoy-12-06-04.asp
RFID slows
ABI Research says that there are some very real hurdles
ahead in the implementation of RFID.
http://www.integratedmar.com/connectit/stories/1477.cfm
Kevin Ashton speaks up
After leaving the Auto-ID Center, Ashton joined Thing Magic.
Now he says the revolution is coming but not as fast as some think.
http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/jan2005/profile.cfm
ThingMagic grows
From its early beginnings to the fourth generation of its
reader, ThingMagic has grown.
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/ThingMagic-Builds-on-Open-
Source-with-RFID-Reader-39428.html
Want to invest
Motley Fool’s Rick Munarriz thinks that now is the time to
invest in RFID companies.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2005/mft05010303.htm
Data data data
RFID tags will be everywhere and so will the data. Intel
wants to help solve the data problem.
http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/Intel-Develops-Ways-To-
Put-Raw-RFID-Data-to-Work-39188.html
2005 not the year of RFID
Information Week suggest that it is going to be more that a
single “Year of”. It may take several years to fully get RFID out there.
http://www.crmbuyer.com/story/Intel-Develops-
Ways-To-Put-Raw-RFID-Data-to-Work-39188.html
RFID deployment
A report from Larstan Business Reports has some good
information.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041230/305214_1.html
Need to catch up?
eWeek have created a special report on RFID that has a lot
of information.
http://www.eweek.com/category2/0,1738,1568291,00.asp
Social Security to use RFID
Tracking orders and forms will be the start.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/
2005-01-05-rfid-to-track-ssa_x.htm
Tesco to go RFID
U.K. retailer Tesco has placed an order for readers and
antennas for use in all their stores.
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5519521.html?
tag=zdnn.alert
http://networks.silicon.com/lans/
0,39024663,39126936,00.htm
Exceptional compliance
Says a new report from Incucomm about the Wal-Mart mandate.
http://www.incucomm.com/releases/Wal-Mart%20Jan%
202005%20Status%20-%20Executive%20Summary.PDF
More investing
A report from investor site, Yeald, says now is the time to
look at Zebra.
http://www.yeald.com/Yeald/a/33411/article.html
Sales to grow
Market research firm, In-Stat, stated that revenue from RFID
is expected to grow to $2.8 billion in five years.
http://update.internetweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/elZv0GPYVh0G4X0C7nu0AD
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5533587.html?
tag=zdnn.alert
HP ready to go
Hewlett-Packard have announced that they are going to put
RFID tags on printers and handheld devices.
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-5537125.html?
tag=zdnn.alert
Wi-Fi and RFID
AeroScout adds RFID to the uses of Wi-Fi to track trailers
in a shipping yard.
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3447171
Animal RFID
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association in the U.S. wants
to use RFID to track cattle and hopefully prevent the spread of contagious
diseases.
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=56200274
RFID is everywhere
Maybe not yet, but there are many people who are beginning
to see the advantages.
http://www.detnews.com/2004/technology/0412/28/
A01-43638.htm
U.S. DoD looks at RFID
We know that the Department of Defense has been using active
RFID for some time and that the new DoD Policy talks about passive RFID. The
two technologies are being tested.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20041230/tc_zd/141768
Organic tags?
International paper has teamed up with OrganicID to create
tags that will cost one cent.
http://crn.com/sections/breakingnews/breakingnews.jhtml?articleId=55301727
Item level still far away
While item level RFID tagging is a solution to many things,
the deployment at this level is not likely for some time.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20050105/tc_zd/142043
Slap and Ship
The use of slap and ship is not as common as was feared
finds ARC.
http://www.sdcexec.com/article_arch.asp?
article_id=6536
100% reliable tags?
A new process is working to provide 100% reliable tags in
the field.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20050105/tc_zd/142065
Chep pallets have RFID
Chep has been involved with RFID on pallets for a long time
and is making them widely available to its customers.
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/news-NG.asp?
n=57122-chep-pushes-forward
2005 shows growth
But says ABI Research we will see a move away from the
smaller RFID companies and consultants to the larger, more traditional
suppliers of technology.
http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=136041&liArticleTypeID=1&liCategoryID=1&
liChannelID=9&liFlavourID=1&sSearch=&nPage=1
http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/
articleDetail.jsp?id=142092
Is there an ROI?
This report suggests that the Return on Investment for RFID
is not there.
http://www.controldesign.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=&tier=3&nid=
ED2D7B7B59C642D28E5E86498716BD18
EPCglobal™
Gen 2 spec available
But some of the claims are ambiguous and some of the compatibility still
has to be worked out.
http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=125515
http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/wireless/2005/
0103wireless2.html
Gillette does RFID
Gillette has been a big supporter of the Auto-ID lab and now EPCglobal™.
Here’s how they implement RFID.
http://www.techworld.com/mobility/features/index.cfm?
FeatureID=1090
http://www.nwfusion.com/research/2004/121304rfid.html
RFID Standards
The month of December is usually a slow month in the world of standards,
and this is no exception. The one big announcement at the end of the year
was the ratification by the EPCglobal™ Board of Governors of the Generation
2 Class 1 UHF specification. Subsequent to this ratification, EPCglobal have
released the document to the ISO community to allow work to start in
creating an ISO version of the specification. Work will start on that later
this month.
If you want more information on ISO standardization or on any issue of
RFID standardization, then email
steve@hightechaid.com
Biometrics
Biometrics standards needed
US Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge says that
standards are needed in this new arena.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1509&u=/afp/
20050112/tc_afp/usattackssafety_050112184919&printer=1
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/1227/
web-dhsstds-12-27-04.asp
Computer security
Using a biometric reader to capture information as a secure
means of accessing computers.
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/39149.html
U.S. captures biometric information
The U.S. is now capturing biometric information at the 50
busiest ports of entry from Mexico and Canada.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050103/tc_afp/
ussecurityaircanada_050103204534
Bar Code
Metrologic sells big
A $2 million order for personal data terminals has been
placed by a large department store chain.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041222/225021_1.html
Bar coded information
Ever wonder what’s on your U.S. drivers license.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/cdh/20041226/lo_cdh/whatsinyourbarcode
The market is changing
Laser scanners used to be everywhere. Now we are seeing
imagers take over that role.
http://www.mmh.com/index.asp?layout=document&
doc_id=1340002730&industry=Automatic+Data+
Capture&industryid=21966
Bar code to replace RFID?
Not quite, but the pharmaceutical world is taking another
hard look at bar codes after seeing this product.
http://www.isourceonline.com/article.asp?article_id=6510
Healthcare
Keep that surgeon on track
Using RFID in the operating room may be the key to lower health care
costs and higher standards of care.
http://www.rfidnas.com/article/CA491053.html&
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041221/BIZ01/412210344/1002/BIZ
The wired hospital
More and more applications are coming out that use technology to improve
a hospital’s efficiency.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/zd/20041230/tc_zd/141734
U.K. demonstrates
At a British telecom spin off in a science park, there are demonstrations
of how RFID will help the healthcare arena.
http://www.vnunet.com/features/1160130
Wireless heart monitor
Now your heart attack can be broadcast wirelessly.
http://www.ulst.ac.uk/news/releases/2004/1441.html
Tracking RFID
A satellite company and an implantable RFID tag company announce a joint
strategy. Tracking RFID with satellites?
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2004/Dec/1102184.htm
Drug companies back RFID
Cardinal Health Inc. and other drug companies are seeing the benefits of
RFID.
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2004/
12/27/focus1.html
Track surgical instruments
Hitachi have announced a plan to build RFID chips into surgical
instruments.
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20512
Drug bottle reader
A device that reads aloud the prescription information on a drug bottle
is gaining support.
http://www.ashp.org/news/ShowArticle.cfm?cfid=4123691&CFToken=24455024&id=9214
Active RFID tracks assets
At the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, valuable assets are
tracked using RFID.
http://www.rfidnews.org/news/2005/01/12/
the-hospital-of-the-university-of-pennsylvania-installs-
radianse-indoor-positioning-solution/
Wireless Computing
RF is not good
The recently released Reflex report shows that RF energy can
have a permanent effect on the human body.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=7141544
WiMax – the time has come
This could be the critical year for WiMax technology.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/10/wimax_critical_year/
UWB battle
The battle for a standard for UltraWide Band is beginning to
solidify.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/39042.html
Wireless on planes
The FCC has agreed to allow wireless access on planes.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=
333665&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312
Smart Dust
Can smart dust be on the way? One Russian company is trying
to provide a lead.
http://www.gateway2russia.com/st/art_260740.php
Look no wires!
Wireless technologies are taking over our lives. Here’s a
summary of some of the newer ones.
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
story/0,10801,98346,00.html?source=x68
Software radios
Can software radios provide a solution to some of the
wireless issues we are seeing?
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1745749,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605
Wireless security
IEEE 802.11i has been touted as the solution to wireless
security, but the transition may not be painless.
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1744542,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605
Zigbee
Is there really a need for another wireless standard? Many
think so.
http://www.enterprisenetworksandservers.com/opinionw/
art.php/164
http://www.elecdesign.com/Articles/ArticleID/7186/7186.html
Beyond 802.11g
As widespread use of 802.11g is just starting we have a new
development with MIMO being used to create 802.11 pre-n products.
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,119223,00.asp
UWB in Europe
One European regulator is suggesting that UWB should be free
of licensing requirements.
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/39647.html
Homeland Security
Australia goes for hi-tech passports …
Choosing a Herndon, VA, USA company to help them implement
the solution.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/
2004-12-22-aussie-epassports_x.htm
… and so does Japan …
The Japanese government allocated 2.51 billion Yen to create
new passports with chips in them.
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&
id=322941
… But the EU has problems
Stating that the conflict with RFID chips in passports and
those in visas make the scheme unworkable.
http://go.theregister.com/news/2005/01/07/
cards_for_bio_visa/http://www.securityfocus.com/news/10207
U.K. approves ID …
The House of Commons has approved a controversial bill to
create an ID card for the U.K.
http://www.cardtechnology.com/cgi-bin/readstory.pl?story=20041220CTDN655.xml
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/10/
id_scheme_consultant_elves/
… but what about the U.S.?
It is already underway.
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41987
http://www.govtech.net/?pg=news/news&id=92521
New contracts awarded
The U.S. Government printing Office (GPO) has awarded four
more contracts to show new high tech passports.
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3459911
Privacy
RFID and Privacy
Here’s a down-to-earth piece about the issues.
http://www.ppionline.org/documents/RFID_1006.pdf
RFID implants
What about the privacy and security issues of this practice?
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?StoryId=CqC5fueicq0Hjufbssvzbq1K
The RFID problem
There are still those whose viewpoint is the privacy
invasion aspects of RFID.
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20041229-110522-9225r
General Technology
Symbol gets loan
And pays for Matrics instead of selling stock to finance the
deal.
http://www.forbes.com/home_asia/feeds/ap/
2004/12/29/ap1732372.html
|
Sponsored by:
Press Releases
A regular feature of HighTechAIDCourier will be a review
of interesting press releases from around the world. Please send your press
releases to news@hightechaid.com,
but do not forget to include a URL to the full release on your web site.
Here are this month’s selections:
Livestock RFID Tag Sales Increase by More Than 400% in 2004
SO. ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Angel
Corporation (Amex: DOC), an advanced technology company in the field of
rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition
monitoring of high-value assets, announced today that it has delivered more
than 265,000 of its Radio Frequency Identification tags ("e-tags") to its
Canadian distributors during the months of November and December.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/
stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/
story/01-03-2005/0002762024&
EDATE=
Secure Symbology, Inc. Introduces RFID Alternative to Canadian
Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 2004--The Canadian Association for
Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM) has expanded its investigation of
automated track-and-trace technologies beyond RFID, as the result of a
meeting with Secure Symbology, Inc. (SSI), the innovator of serialized bar
coding solutions for supply chain protection. The CAPDM's Automated Product
Tracking Committee met with Ronald Barenburg, President of SSI, in early
December to learn about the application of its Electronic Sequence Code(TM)
(ESC(TM)) serialized bar coding system in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041223/
235022_1.html
Dover Corporation Acquires Datamax Corporation
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Datamax Corporation, a leader and
worldwide supplier of bar code and RFID printing solutions, today announced
that it has been acquired by Dover Technologies, a subsidiary of Dover
Corporation (NYSE: DOV - News). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050104/fltu001_1.html
MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS RECEIVES $1.17M CONTRACT FOR ULTRA WIDEBAND
TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LINK
Germantown, MD – January 6, 2005 – Trident Systems, Inc. of Fairfax, VA
has awarded a $1.17M contract to Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) for
the delivery of a miniaturized, low probability of detection (LPD), ultra
wideband (UWB) tactical communications link. The UWB transceivers will be
used to relay real-time video and data streams for various warfighter
applications. A key element of the program involves the further
microminiaturization of all of MSSI's UWB subassemblies.
http://www.multispectral.com/press/
news-010605.html
SAMSys Technologies Reports Fiscal 2004 Q4/Annual Results and Holds
Investor Conference Call
TORONTO, Dec. 22 /CNW/ - SAMSys Technologies Inc., ("SAMSys"), (SMY:TSX), of Toronto, an international provider of Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) reader hardware, today reports on the Company's
audited 2004 fourth quarter and annual financial results for the period
ended September 30, 2004.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/
releases/archive/December2004/
22/c7981.html
Alien Technology Corporation Taps MiCOM Labs for Testing of New RFID
System for European Market
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2005--MiCOM Labs, Inc.,
today announced that it has completed product compliance testing of a new
radio frequency identification (RFID) system for Alien Technology
Corporation of Morgan Hill, Calif. Alien Technology is an industry leader in
the development of RFID tags and equipment that includes electronic product
code (EPC) or "smart" tags that reflect radio signals. RFID equipment is
revolutionizing inventory tracking and supply chain management in retail and
defense operations. The testing performed by MiCOM Labs validated the new
RFID system to a new European standard (EN 302 208) for wireless RFID
product performance, qualifying the RFID system for certifications needed
for product sales in Europe.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050104/
45814_1.html
SAMSys Readers Selected for New RFID Test Center To Meet Multiprotocol &
Multifrequency Tag Requirements
SAMSys' Open Architecture Will Allow Different Tags To Be Tested with One
Device
TORONTO, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX)
announced today that its radio frequency identification (RFID) readers have
been selected and installed as part of the hardware infrastructure of the
new Star Alliance Center, a 3,200-square-foot RFID demonstration center
designed to assist companies in complying with RFID tagging mandates from
Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense, and other major retailers and
organizations. SAMSys equipment was chosen because its built-in support for
multiple tag protocols and frequencies will allow tags from any supplier to
be tested without installing multiple readers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050111/to098_1.html
Paxar and CDO Technologies Announce New Initiative Featuring RFID
Solutions for Department of Defense
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2005--Paxar Corporation (NYSE:PXR
- News), a global leader providing bar code and identification technologies
and the supplier of Monarch® brand products and services, today announced it
has entered into an agreement with CDO Technologies, Inc. to provide radio
frequency identification (RFID) solutions, including printers, labels, test
facilities, technical support and related services to improve government
asset tracking and enable government suppliers to meet Department of Defense
RFID mandates. This agreement will make it possible for government agencies
to purchase Paxar's Monarch® brand RFID equipment and services from the CDO
Technologies General Services Administration (GSA) schedule.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050113/
135362_1.html
Research And Markets - Falling Tag Prices: One Factor That Has Brought
RFID Into The Spotlight
Research and Markets has
announced the addition of RFID in healthcare to their offering.
(PRWEB) December 12, 2004 -- Falling tag prices, EPCglobals standards
initiative, numerous healthcare-related deployments and FDA regulations on
medication tracking have brought RFID into the spotlight. However,
challenges regarding solution costs, IP rights and privacy issues make the
future of RFID in healthcare far from sealed.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2004/12/prwebxml184945.php
Integrated Business Systems & Services Introduces Intelligent RFID
Tracking for Healthcare Industry
Announces Authorized Reseller Agreement With IDENTEC SOLUTIONS
COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2005--Integrated Business Systems
and Services, Inc. (IBSS) (OTCBB:IBSS - News) today unveiled and announced
the immediate availability of its new intelligent tracking application
product, SynTrack(TM). Enabled by IBSS' Synapse(TM) application development
and deployment technology, SynTrack(TM) is initially bundled to aid the
healthcare industry in reducing costs and improving patient care by
intelligently tracking personnel and assets. SynTrack(TM) uses Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to efficiently manage hospital
staff and equipment, and enables healthcare professionals to benefit from
improved asset management.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050104/
45108_1.html
IntelliTrack Releases “RFID Slap & Ship” Software for Easy and
Inexpensive Compliance with RFID Mandates
IntelliTrack Inc. announces the release of its new RFID Slap & Ship
software package. IntelliTrack RFID Slap & Ship is a turn-key RFID
compliance solution that will allows enterprises to immediately conform to
current and emerging RFID standards. With this simple to implement and easy
to use application, a warehouse can immediately begin shipping cases and
pallets that are correctly labeled with EPC compliant SGTIN and SSCC
SmartLabels.
Hunt Valley, MD (PRWEB) December 21, 2004 -- “We see an opportunity to help
customers who need immediate RFID compliance to satisfy Department of
Defense (DoD) and Wal-Mart mandates. Our software is guaranteed to remain
compliant so long as the customer purchases a maintenance contract and
installs periodic upgrades,” said James Budniakiewicz, President of
IntelliTrack. “The other key advantage is that our system can be installed
as an add-on to the customer’s existing software. Instead of a costly and
painful migration to new software, customers can bolt our product on to
their existing software and quickly get the RFID functionality they need at
a minimum cost.”
http://www.emediawire.com/
releases/2004/12/emw189840.htm
Alien Technology and ScanSource Announce Distribution Agreement for RFID
Products
MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2005--Alien Technology®
and ScanSource today announced an agreement for distribution of Alien RFID
reader and tag products, as well as applications and educational support
services in the North American market. Under the agreement, ScanSource will
serve as a distributor of Alien RFID product and service offerings, and the
two companies will collaborate on joint marketing activities directed to
resellers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050110/
105320_1.html
Intermec Introduces Powerful Intellitag Generation 2 UHF RFID Technology
EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 2004--Intermec Technologies
Corp.:
Provides strong, proven global RFID capabilities
Dramatically increases UHF Generation 2 performance for greater ROI
Includes features most requested by end-user companies unavailable anywhere
else
Significantly increases system performance over older RFID technologies
Intermec Technologies Corp. today introduced Intellitag(TM) Generation 2 UHF
RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, incorporating key
high-performance RFID capabilities found nowhere else. Intermec Intellitag
Generation 2 RFID technology dramatically increases system performance and
provides levels of reliability and functionality not found in older UHF RFID
technologies. More importantly, it offers the functions and features most
requested by companies implementing RFID.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041221/
215710_1.html
Advanced ID Receives $135,000 RFID Microchip Order
CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2005--Advanced ID Corporation
(OTCBB:AIDO), a complete solutions provider in the radio frequency
identification (RFID) market, today announced it has received an order from
the Government of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island to
utilize the company's RFID microchips for the identification of fish in
Atlantic Canada. The order which is valued at more than $135,000 will
require Advanced ID to immediately begin delivering its RFID microchips,
readers and accessories.
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndm
ViewId=news_view&newsId=
20050104005064&newsLang=en
Wherenet First-Of-Its-Kind Wireless Tracking System Cuts Costs And
Enhances Efficiency At U.S. Army Pennsylvania Depot
Tobyhanna Army Depot Deploys WhereNet System in Response to Department of
Defense Mandate to Develop and Use Automatic Identification Technology
SANTA CLARA, Calif.¬--Jan. 11, 2005--¬WhereNet Corp., the leader in wireless
solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today that
the Tobyhanna Army Depot has deployed the standards-based WhereNet®
real-time locating system (RTLS) technology to streamline the full-service
repair and overhaul of surveillance radar systems at the Pennsylvania
facility ¬ marking the first time that a U.S. Army facility has tested RTLS
technology. Tobyhanna Army Depot plays a critical role in repairing and
overhauling command, control, computer, communications, intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance systems for the Armed Forces. In accordance
with the Department of Defense mandate to develop and use automatic
identification technology (AIT), Tobyhanna is evaluating the WhereNet active
radio frequency identification (RFID) system to improve efficiencies, cut
costs, and increase quality at the depot.
http://www.wherenet.com/
pressreleases/pr_1_11_2005.html
Impinj and Texas Instruments Announce RFID Cooperation Agreement
Leading RFID Companies Assure Interoperability of UHF EPC Generation 2
Products
SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/17/2005 -- Impinj, Inc., the fabless
semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology
enables its high-performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products,
and Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN), the world leader in digital signal
processing, analog, and RFID technologies, today announced their agreement
to cooperate in development of products that are compliant with the Class 1,
Generation 2 (Gen 2) standard recently ratified by EPCglobal Inc.™ This
cooperation will ensure interoperability among Gen 2 products offered by the
two companies, while enabling both companies to improve time-to-market for
their Gen 2 offerings.
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/
release_html_b1?release_id=79127
Texas Instruments to Deliver RFID Solution for MasterCard PayPass
DALLAS, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments today announced plans
to deliver ISO/IEC 14443 compliant radio frequency identification (RFID)
chips designed to meet the stringent security requirements for MasterCard
International's PayPass(TM) line of RFID payment cards and tokens. TI
expects to submit this product for MasterCard certification in the second
quarter of 2005. Full production is planned to start in the second half of
this year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
050117/nym042_1.html
The Final Comment
We always try to find something to keep away those boring evenings while
you wait to get back to work. This month is no exception, try these:
Are you interested in optical illusions? Try this site:
http://www.cooloptical
illusions.com/
Or maybe you just like Brain tests. These are really good
http://www.puzzle.dse.nl/tests/
index_us.html
For the bird lovers out there, here is a series of photos that you might
like
http://community-2.webtv.net/hotmail.com/verle33/
HummingBirdNest/
Or perhaps you prefer Good Clean Fun
http://home.kcbx.net/~tellswor/
How about some science tutorials?
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/
primer/java/scienceopticsu/
powersof10/index.html
All vowel words? Weird!
http://www.blueray.com/dictionary/
vowel/index.html
Or maybe you just need to laugh - Interactive Hamster Dance
http://www.hampsterdance2.com/
hampsterdance2.html
How about a postcard!
http://www.mailameal.com/
The Fine Print
Links on web sites frequently change. Any link to articles outside of the
Hightechaid.com web site are not within our control. If you end up with an
error message, try a search of the site in the link to find the topic.
Magazines and newspapers often move content on their sites, but you can
usually find it with a little work. Back issues of the newsletter are
available at
http://www.hightechaid.com/
newsletter/aidcourier_archive.htm
Please tell us what extra you want from the newsletter and don’t
forget to tell your friends to subscribe. You can forward your ideas to
news@hightechaid.com. No part of the newsletter may be reproduced
without written permission. No liability is accepted for any action
arising from the contents of the newsletter; readers are advised to seek
professional opinion on the use of any products described. Opinions
expressed in any article by an outside contributor are not necessarily
endorsed by the publishers of the newsletter.
Unsubscribe: See the link at the bottom of the page
|
